Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
The Components of your Solar System 6
Solar Panels 6
Inverter Solutions 6
Batteries 7
Mounting Systems 7
Metering your Solar System 7
Your Solar System Size 8
Measuring how your components perform. The Difference between kW and kW/h 8
To help you select and install your solar system, a certified LG installer will guide you
through the process from the moment you first consider solar panels to the planning
and installation phases of your home or business solar system. You can find an installer
who will supply a free detailed quote via the dealer search at lgenergy.com.au
2. Environmental Benefits – By using electricity 5. Energy reliability – High quality solar power systems are
generated from solar panels, we reduce the need to a reliable power source. The sun rises and sets every day,
generate electricity from fossil fuels like coal and gas while the sun shines, solar panels will generate electricity.
which create carbon dioxide (CO2). This can reduce the While the weather and the seasons vary, the amount of
potential for global warming and can create a more electricity that the panels generate is predictable. You can
sustainable cleaner energy mix, this effect is even also increase the financial benefits of your solar system by
stronger if your solar system lasts a long time. changing the times you operate your household appliances.
For example, turning your washing machine on as you
3. Energy Independence – By owning your own solar leave home in the morning and avoiding washing your
system, you have the capacity to create your own clothes at night allows your solar system to power your
electricity. This reduces your reliance on the electricity washing machine during the day. With the help of lithium-
grid and electricity retailers etc and increases your control ion batteries, which are becoming more affordable, you can
over your future electricity needs, expenses and lifestyle also store solar power during the day and use it at night.
especially if you add batteries to your system in the future.
PV panels are generally fitted on the roof facing an Ask your authorised LG Energy Partner for advice on
northerly, easterly or westerly direction, and tilted at a which of these inverter solutions offer the most suitable
particular angle to maximise the amount of sunlight solution for you. Quality inverter/micro inverter solutions
that each panel receives. include Fronius, SMA, Solaredge and Enphase brands.
Suburban homes in Australia and New Zealand are Today houses with grid-connected solar systems
connected to the electricity grid via power lines. Our consume solar-generated electricity first, before
electricity system uses 240V alternating current (AC), switching to the electricity grid if more electricity is
but the electricity generated by solar panels consists of required than the solar system is able to generate.
variable direct current (DC). To transform the DC electricity
into AC electricity for ordinary household use, grid-connected Grid-connected solar systems can also feed electricity
solar PV systems have inverters attached to each PV back to the grid if too much electricity is generated
panel called micro inverters or a single inverter for a string via the solar system for the immediate needs of
of connected PV panels called a central string inverter. your home. For information on rebates and rewards
associated to feed-back electricity see page 13.
The third possible inverter solutions are power
optimisers, which are a variance of the string Unless you add storage batteries to your system,
inverter and the micro inverter. All these technical a grid-connected solar system is unable to
solutions can create a great solar system. store power in your home for use at night.
SOLAR DC
PANELS
AC
AC AC AC
SOLAR ENERGY
GRID EXPORTED ELECTRICITY METER SWITCHBOARD SOLAR ELECTRICITY USED IN HOUSE
SOLAR DC AC DC
PANELS
INVERTER BATTERIES
CHARGER
AC
AC AC AC
SOLAR ENERGY
GRID EXPORTED ELECTRICITY METER SWITCHBOARD SOLAR ELECTRICITY USED IN HOUSE
5 | Beginners guide to solar | www.lgenergy.com.au
THE COMPONENTS
OF YOUR SOLAR SYSTEM
What makes up a solar system?
A solar system is made up of a number of key components, all of which combine to generate electricity, regulate
and control the flow of the electricity and to connect and mount the solar system to your building. A grid-
connected solar system comprises of panels, a string inverter or micro-inverters or optimisers, a roof mounting
system and electrical accessories including circuit breakers and wires. It is important that all components work
together, with no component compromising the performance, safety or life expectancy of any other component.
SOLAR PANELS
Solar PV panels on roofs of
homes and businesses generate
clean electricity by converting
sunlight into usable electricity.
This conversion takes place within
325 to 335W 350 to 365W
the solar cells and is a process
that requires no moving parts.
INVERTER SOLUTIONS
A solar inverter is one of the most
important elements of the solar system.
It converts the variable direct current
(DC) output of a photovoltaic (PV)
solar panel into a 240V alternating
current (AC). This AC electricity can
be fed into your home to operate
your household appliances.
MOUNTING SYSTEMS
METERING YOUR SOLAR
Solar systems are mounted to roofs with a mounting system using SYSTEM
various railings, frames and tiles or tin feet. Most mounting systems
are made of aluminium with stainless steel hardware and are designed There are two fundamental steps
to accept a variety of solar modules on a variety of roof types. to take when connecting your
Aluminium rails with clamps attach the solar panels to the rail and solar system to the grid
connection brackets fix the rail to the roof (see diagram below).
Step 1. Your electricity network
Superior mounting systems are manufactured with higher grades of company will specify what type of
aluminium and stainless steel, often resulting in less weight on the meter is required to measure your solar
roof and lower levels of corrosion over longer periods of time. Quality generation and energy consumption.
mounting rails may also feature robust anchoring points and design Your LG Energy Partner will be able
solutions that speed-up the installation time of your solar system. to explain the details to you. You may
be required to pay for the cost of the
Purchasing a strong and well-engineered mounting system is the sensible new solar meter and its installation
way to protect the investment you have made in your solar system as they in addition to the cost of your solar
will be more rigid. The standard mounting frame warranty is 10 years. system. Prices can be a few hundred
dollars, so you should make sure that
the solar electricity meter supply
and connection is included in the
quote for your new solar system.
We recommend you
CLIP MOUNTING
only use quality panels/
inverter solutions for
long lasting systems
A 1 kW electric pool
pump used for one
hour will consume
1 kWh of electricity
In Australia, a grid-connected solar system will generate the most solar The amount of electricity
electricity when the LG solar panels are facing north at a tilt angle of 15 to generated by your solar
30 degrees. But with the introduction of time of use metering by electricity system directly relates to the
providers in Australia, a north-west or fully western facing solar system may amount of sunlight that your
give a more positive financial outcome. PV panels receive. The more
your solar modules are covered
Time of use metering is when energy retailers charge more for their electricity in shade, the less electricity
(approximately 45 cents per kW/h or more) in peak usage periods, for your system will generate.
example weekdays from 2pm until 8pm. During these times Western facing
panels will produce a greater amount of solar electricity, therefore creating Even a single antenna or a
better savings. chimney shadow on your panels
can affect performance, while
Discuss with your LG Authorised Partner your electricity usage, so that your the overall effectiveness of your
usage pattern can be matched with your solar panels installation direction. solar system is dependent on
Of course the setup of your roof also plays a major role where the panels can where you live. In some areas
be installed. of Australia (for example, the
Blue Mountains near Sydney)
DAILY ROUTINE over 20% of homes have
Thinking about your daily routine and your electricity consumption will help reduced suitability for solar
you locate the best possible position for your solar panels. If lots of electricity systems due to extended tree
is used in the morning, an easterly roof will offer the best benefits. If lots of coverage close to the home.
electricity is used during the middle of the day, we would advise a north facing
Using micro-inverters or power
roof and if lots of electricity is used in the early and late afternoon a north-
optimisers on each panel, instead
west facing roof is more likely to offer the best outcome. With multi-string
of one large string inverter
inverters you can also put one group of solar panels (one string) on the east
(where multiple panels are
and one on the west to cover a wider time-span.
connected to one inverter) can
help with shadow issues. With
each individual panel managed to
achieve its maximum electricity
output individually, the losses
associated to shade can be
reduced by as much as 25%.
SMALL HOME
1-2 People
2-3kW System
Av. production per day: 12 kWh
MEDIUM HOME
2-3 People
3-4kW System
Av. production per day: 16 kWh
LARGE HOME
FOODBANK, WESTERN SYDNEY, 250KW LG NeON® 2 SYSTEM
4+ People
*This is a general guide ony and does not take your specific energy use requirements and practices into 5-8kW System
consideration. Please contact your LG Energy Partner for more detailed guidance on your solar system size. Av. production per day: 36 kWh
7.3
was the old solar thinking.
LG have now released a 360W and
With the emergence of battery 365W NeON R in the 60 cell range
kWp storage as a smart way to harvest and a 405W panel in the 72 cell
the light during the day and then range. This means if you can save 8
365W NeON R Panel to use this electricity at night, spots now, with a higher efficient
panel efficiency has become a very panel – you can have another 3.6kW
important consideration. Considering solar system for your batteries or
There is currently one key rebate offered for solar PV systems in Australia
called Small Scale Technology Certificates (STCs). As per April 2018, this
rebate offered around $3200 towards a 5kW system, but the rebate amount
can change from time to time. When you see advertised sales prices for
solar systems, these prices usually have subtracted the rebate from the full
price. The rebate will reduce every year in January, for the next few years.
Some Energy Retailers sell solar systems and will tempt you with a high
FIT. Please check that the overall electricity charges in such contracts
are not higher than normal kWh charges, as your higher FIT income
may be more than offset in higher electricity fees and charges.
Naturally if you install batteries with your solar system the FIT is
less relevant.
PAYMENT PLANS
Consumers also have the option to finance a solar system. Often
homeowners redraw on their mortgage to finance the solar and battery LG PANELS ARE ALSO USED IN MANY
system. Your installer can advise you about other available finance options. COMMERICAL INSTALLATIONS IN AUSTRALIA.
A reputable solar retail company is more likely to fully All systems installed in Australia have
1
evaluate your requirements and explain in detail what to be signed off by an accredited
needs to be done in order to install your solar system. solar system designer/installer. The
following elements are considered
2 A local diversified company is more likely to be around when designing a solar system:
in the future to service any warranty issues or system
upgrades. With some loud, marketing and price focused solar a. Your current electricity consumption
companies longevity of the company can be an issue. and future needs;
If your installer is selling you LG solar panels, then in future b. The available roof space and optimum
3 panel location;
years LG is very likely to be able to have a local company
service your LG panels. If you choose an unknown brand, the c. The orientation and pitch of the
manufacturer may go out of business or the importer may roof(s);
stop importing these panels into Australia. It is recommended
d. Impact of shading across all seasons
to buy branded solar panels from diversified manufacturers
and time of day;
like LG that have a sound track record in Australia.
e. The structural soundness of the roof;
4 A reputable solar company will be fully aware of current
electricity supply rules as well as provide you advice on the f. Sizing the strings of panels for
the correct voltage of the inverter
best feed-in-tariff. As a result, well established businesses
solution;
will be more likely to give you the most up-to date advice.
g. Ensuring the design meets building
If your local installer belongs to the Authorised LG codes and electrical standards;
5
Energy Partner network, then he/she has to install the
solar power system to a high standard and act ethically h. Determining the most suitable
in their business dealings with you, the customer. location for the inverter and the
way the cables are run;
i. Considering appropriate monitor
options and considering if batteries
*Source: ASIC liquidated companies register are appropriate.
1 What is the estimated monthly and annual 5 Who is responsible for connecting your solar PV
production in kWh of my system in its system to the electricity grid? Is it the installer or
installation position? another subcontractor? When will it happen?
2 What is the estimated solar electricity production in 6 Who is responsible for your meter change?
the best and worst months? Also please check out Make sure this is clarified. Quality installation
the LG output calculator on www.lgenergy.com.au companies usually offer to accommodate
the whole job.
3 Who will service and maintain my solar system?
Get an address and contact details in writing, 7 Ask how the installer will credit your solar
preferably of someone reasonably local. rebate (STCs)?
4 Get clarity as to what are the responsibilities of 8 Get a detailed hand over manual.
each party? Including the installer, manufacturer
and consumer.
IMPORTANT
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
THE 25 YEAR OUTPUT “WARRANTY”
Over time solar panels will show degradation and produce each
year a little less electricity. In order to give purchasers some
guidance about the level of degradation, an Output Warranty is
offered by most manufacturers. This Output Warranty goes in
most cases for 25 years and guarantees that for conventional
panels an output of around 80% of initial production efficiency
is still maintained by the panel (LG NeON 2 offers 86%).
1. Undertake some solar research via and ghetto blasters to consider what 8. Manufacturer’s Warranty: Many
our Frequently Asked Questions the next 25 years may herald and how manufacturers will offer 10 years’
(FAQs) on lgenergy.com.au your home power needs may grow. manufacturing warranty and an 80.2%
output efficiency warranty at 25 years
2. Do your research about brands and 5. Solar systems vary in quality and size (LG offers 86%). For a normal consumer
prices. There are some very cheap and so does the price. Set yourself a it becomes difficult to separate the
offers in the market, but these cheaper budget. As a rule of thumb each kW of “wheat from the chaff”. Companies like
deals can hide poor quality equipment a quality solar system will cost in the range LG offer full parts and labour warranty
that are made to appear like quality of $1,400 to $1,700 for a residential and a replacement warranty. Finally
products. You are looking for a product system up to 10 kW. You will find a system make sure that the manufacturer has
that lasts 25 years so that your financial for $800 to $1,000 per kW but you are a local legal entity in Australia. Should
investment is repaid over and over. Find looking at a much lower grade systems you have a dispute in years to come, a
out about the company offering the very with less output productivity and shorter company with no link and contact in
cheap deal. For internet research try working life. This may cost you more in Australia is hard to communicate with
Whirlpool – the Green Tech section: http:// the future in repairs and replacements. when it comes to consumer rights.
forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum/143. Use your rebate wisely. You are making a
25 years or longer investment, so please 9. Choose a quality Inverter solution to go
3. Do not give into pressure selling and consider quality and real warranty support with quality panels: An inverter is the heart
deadlines. It’s one of the oldest sales tricks over everything else. And remember a of your solar system. It will have a direct
in the book. If the sales person cannot solar system with a good brand name and impact on the efficiency of conversion
give you the time to make a considered performance at the time you sell your from solar power to usable electric power
decision, then what are they fearful you home may increase your property value. of your system. The more efficient the
will discover about the deal if you spend inverter solution, the better the energy
some time doing a bit of research? If the 6. Panel Types & Certifications: We conversion process will be. The bigger and
company has just come into town for a recommend the high efficiency NeON more established the manufacturer, the
solar deal, they will be gone after the install mono-crystalline solar panels, as this more likely warranty claims or required
and you will be left to your own local is the technology used most often in repairs will be dealt with smoothly.
devices. Please buy from reputable solar quality solar systems in the world today.
companies. In years to come you might It is also the most tested technology, as 10. Quotes & Buying: Do not get
need their solar expertise and support. mono-crystalline panels have been mass pressured by sales persons to sign a
produced since the 1970s. They have a deal then and there. Use reputable
4. How big is your roof and how big a black appearance and from our point of and established local businesses
solar system can it fit? Try our roof size view will aesthetically blend in more to to install your solar system.
calculator to work out how big your your roof and neighbourhood than the
solar system can be on your specific roof. blue multi-crystalline solar panel variety.
To check the calculator results contact
your local LG dealer. Remember to allow 7. Solar systems attract government
some reserve space for when you install rebates if they have been registered
a solar storage battery for night time with the Clean Energy Council. You
solar power use, and then again for more should check with the install companies
battery storage capacity to charge up an if the offered panels are registered
electric car in future years. Your quality (most are nowadays). All LG panels
solar system is built to last 25+ years. are registered and have completed
Go back 25 years to the days of ‘brick’ extensive fire resistance testing.
mobile phones, dot matrix printers
LG Electronics Australia
16 | Beginners guide to solar | www.lgenergy.com.au 2 Wonderland Drive, Eastern Creek NSW 2766